Tonight is the 2-hour premiere of SyFy's new series, Defiance. Earth has been invaded by seven -- count them! -- SEVEN alien races who have devastated the planet. This one just might be different from all the other post-apocalyptic series in that it doesn't spell everything out. Viewers are meant to learn gradually about the world of the show, figuring it out a bit at a time. Remember the 2-hour premiere of BSG? Dozens of interconnecting vignettes, huge cast of characters, half-understood conversations and actions. Then by the end of the first season, every scene in that premiere was not only understandable but significant. It looks as if Defiance is aiming for the same thing.

You know, I kind of like Defiance. It's no BSG, but it's not bad. Nolan is likable and Irisa is interesting, and Julie Benz keeps popping up in the strangest places. The show leaves me wanting to know what happens next.

Aw, come on, Lorna! Nolan has this blue sphere the size of a grapefruit that expands into a superweapon that blows away an entire invading army? When the battle is going badly, Irisa rides in with a motorcycle gang that has weapons mounted on their handlebars -- where did she find them? For that matter, where did she get her motorcycle? And if old St. Louis is totally buried, why is that arch still standing? Etc, etc, etc.

The latest Doctor Who seemed more on track than the earlier ones in this series...more Who-ish, and more fun. But Orphan Black was even more fun, like a French farce with violence added. The high point for me was when Alison the control freak totally lost it. Ha.